The overall chairman of the nation's largest Greek fundraiser -- the annual dance marathon -- says organizers should receive monetary stipends, and a University administrator agrees.

Chris Bannon, overall chairman of this year's Interfraternity Council / Panhellenic Dance Marathon, said he plans to recommend that a stipend or financial help be made available to future chairpersons.

While student organizers gain valuable experience, they do not receive stipends for their time and efforts, Bannon said.

William Asbury, vice president of student services, suggested that a commission of students and administrators be formed to explore the possibilities.

"They are learning. They get a lot of practical experience," said Asbury. "The dance marathon is one example of an activity where the students are so involved that they need some recognition."

Last year, the nation's largest student-run philanthropy provided more than $400,000 to the Four Diamonds Fund -- an organization that helps the families of children with cancer.

This year's 48-hour marathon is scheduled to begin Feb. 16 in the White Building. Live bands are scheduled to provide dancing music for 540 sponsored participants during the event.

Students involved with activities that require a lot of time and dedication should get more than just experience and token recognition, Asbury said.

Creating stipends for these students has been discussed but no definite action has been taken, Asbury said.

If awarding stipends to these students proves impossible, then these students should at least receive University credits, he added. Students involved in other activities like helping with University budget preparations should also receive stipends, he said.

Kim Chester, financial committee chairwoman, said preparation for this year's Marathon began at the end of the Spring Semester with the selection of the overall chairperson. The rest of the marathon committee was selected during the first part of the fall semester, Chester added.

Student organizers spend an average of 20 hours a week throughout the year preparing for the event, Chester said.

Rick Funk, IFC adviser, said the student organizers receive certificates of appreciation for their efforts and are honored at a special reception held by the Four Diamonds Fund.

"I think most of them do it because they're committed to the Four Diamonds Fund. They're not out for a tangible benefit from the work," Funk said.

However, Funk said student organizers can currently opt to earn University credit for their contributions.

George Bugyi, executive secretary of Faculty Senate, said he is not sure if any student has yet taken advantage of this option to earn credit.

He said earning credit for organizing an event involves student planning.

A student has to work with a faculty member to develop a coursework proposal, Bugyi said. That proposal then has to be submitted to a department head for approval, he added.